ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21332, 5 November 1932, Page 14

ENTERTAINMENTS

CIVIC THEATRE The fascination of the supernatural forms a strong element of appeal in "White Zombie," one of the eeriest pictures ever brought to the screen, which commenced a season before a large audience at the Civic Theatre last evening. Grim superstitions in Haiti, where the practice ol ancient customs strikes terror into the modern mind, give the film an atmosphere seldom experienced in a picture theatre, and last evening the silence of the audience was a direct expression of appreciation of the story's fine technique anil the excellence of the acting. Bela Lugosi, star of "White Zombie," surpasses the fine representation he gave in "Dracula," and in the control of his dead subjects, enemies of his during their lifetime whom he lias subjugated by force of will power, his characterisation is sufficient to raise a spell of fearful anticipation in the minds of the audience of what is yet to come. Madge Bellamy and John Harron, as Americans, who arc to bo married at the house of a. recent acquaintance in Haiti, provide roles which are acted with skill, the former having spent the last two years on the legitimate stage. The cast is completed by Joseph Cawthorn, Ralph Frazer and Brandon Hurst. The entire picture is portrayed with such artistry and with such conviction and sincerity that one cannot but believe in its substance. Only where a lino of dialogue is absolutely essential does a character speak in '-'White Zombie," and the result is a revelation. This means that for a greater part of _ the film's length the story depends entirely upon camera action. The tncme concerns itself with a human fiend who digs freshly-buried bodies from their grayes and puts them to work in a mill, Ihe scenes in the mill are such as have not hitherto been witnessed on the screen, with the living dead striving away at their task in bloodless manner, to the accompaniment of such creakings an " groanings as to provide one with a snivel of apprehension. Science has proved the existence of this practice among t c natives of Haiti. In this instance white men and a white girl como under the domination of this sinister demon, living in his stronghold of a castle in its b ar '"? n loneliness, and the result is one of the most gripping stories in recent memory of Auckland picturegoers. The supporting programme conforms with the usual high standard of entertainment at the Civic Theatre. The Civic 'Orchestra, under the leadership of Mr. H. Baxter, ieceived a very enthusiastic reception, and Miss D. Ryan, at the grand organ, gave selections which were accorded hearty applause. A Fox Movietone News shows Vines playing Cochet, and also Parisians in a heat wave. The Magic Carpet of Movietone takes one to the magic regions of Havana, and there is an amusing comedy, "Crosbie's Corners. NATIONAL THEATRE A South Seas romance that should prove exceptionally popular in Auckland, " After the Rain," opened a season at the National Theatre yesterday to appreciative audiences. With Spencer I racy, Peggv Shannon, William Boyd and Irving Pichel in the main roles, the film has for its theme the rivalry of two men for the love of a woman and many dramatic moments make the picture excellent entertainment. William Bovd appears as a trading schooner captain who sails j r ° m Singapore for Australia, accompanied by the girl, who is trying to escape the police. Put ashore on an island to await his return, she meets an adventurous pearl-fisher in the person of Spencer Tracey, and the two fall in love, finally marrying. Then she learns that the captain. whom, she thought was dead, is returning in a few days. Terrified, she tries to trick the pearl-fisher into leaving at once but her plans are ruined when another island admirer discloses the truth to the captain. The situation results in a higlilv interesting climax and one that provides a thoroughly satisfactory ending after many breathless moments. The supporting programme includes the latest Fox news reels and a hilariously funny comedy. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE "Letty Lynton," with Joan Crawford in the title-part, and "I Take This Woman" (Carol Lombard), are being presented at the Prince Edward Theatre. Gary Cooper is the hero in tho latter film. At a special matinee "The Dawn Trail," with Buck Jones, will be screened. STRAND THEATRE " The Show of Shows," filmed en-, tirely in colour, will commence a return Auckland season at the Strand Theatre this evening. A remarkable array of artists appears, including Winnie Lightner, John Barrymore, Jack Buchanan and Irene Bordoni. Miss Bordoni and Mr. Buchanan were seen_ together recently in a revival of Paris. LONDON THEATRE Edward Everett Horton, of " The Hottentot " and "The Aviator," is even funnier in "Lonely Wives," the laughable comedy film which opened a season at the London Theatre yesterday. Laura la Plant© and Patsy Ruth Miller have important supporting roles. CAPITOL THEATRE The Continental actor Maurice Chevalier is at his inimitable best in "One Hour With You," to be screened this evening at. the Capitol Theatre with " Mata Hari." Greta Garbo and Ramon Novarro are the principals in the latter film. ONEHUNGA PICTURES Slim Summerville is very amusing in " Racing Youth " at the Onehunga Pictures this evening. GERMAN CLUB CONCERT The first official concert of the recentlyformed German Club orchestra will be given in the Lewis Eady Hall on Tuesday evening, November 22. KINGSLAND TALKIES " Symphony of Six Millions " and " Almost Married " are being shown at tho Kingsland Talkies. EMPIRE THEATRE "Alias the Doctor" (Richard Barthelmcss) and Buster Keaton s " Parlour, Bedroom and Bath " are the films at the Empire Theatre. TUDOR THEATRE Exceptional photography distinguishes "Private Lives," which heads this evening's programme at the Tudor Theatre. Norma Shearer and Robert Montgomery aro the principals. AVONDALE TOWN HALL Elissa Landi and Paul Lukas have tho main roles in the dramatic production, "Burnt Offering," at the Avondale Town Hall this evening. GREY LYNN CINEMA "Man About Town" (Warner Baxter) and "No One Man" (Paul Lukas) comprise the major entertainment at the Grey Lynn Cinema, this evening. BRITANNIA THEATRE "Husband's Holiday" and "The Rider of Death Valley" are the main attractions this evening at the Britannia Theatre. The virile Tom Mix figures in the latter film.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE The broad grin and bright quips that are the pi'incipal stock-in-trade of the popular comedian Joe E. Brown arc much in evidence in his latest successful film, "The Tenderfoot." The picture, which commenced a season at St. James Theatre last evening, is a farcical comedy of the type that has made Brown famous, and the ridiculous plot and utterly impossible situations serve only to add to the humorous nature of the entertainment. The comedian, who Jias the principal part, has made merry in many roles in the course of his career, but surely there was never a less convincing cowboy than the diminutive Brown. Two large revolvers, a tall hat and a coil of rope fail entirely to make a Texas "bad man" of Joe E. Brown, but the story makes him blissfully unconscious of this fact, although the other characters in their respective parts realise it fully. There is comedy in practically every scene, from tho opening in which the cowboy visits New York to take the city by storm, but is instead sold useless musical comedy, to the conclusion, in which he appears as a happily married man with three almost unbelievably ugly children. Extremely <Jlever trick photography has given each of the triplets the decidedly homely face of Brown himself, and the effect is amusing in the extreme. Throughout _ the photography is decidedly good, surprising effects being obtained in order to make some of the comedian's antics appear feasible for the sake of the farcical story. There are in the supporting cast a number of prominent players, including Ginger Rogers and Lew Cody, both of whom acquit themselves well. Miss Rogers has the role of a typiste in the employ of the producers who sell the cowboy a useless musical comedy, while Cody, as the villain of the piece, is suitably suave. The supporting programme is chiefly notable for an Australian production, "Billy Blue-Gum." The film, which is accompanied by a running commentary, deals with the habits of the quaint little Australian bears, koalas, and shows the playful little animals in the sanctuary that has been created for them rear Sydney. There is also a comedy, "The Wise Quacker," in which a number of trained ducks are the "actors," and a screen song. Two newsreels, dealing with items of interest in many parts of the world, complete an enjoyable programme. PLAZA THEATRE "Sunshine Susie," the amazingly entertaining musical comedy at the Plaza Theatre is still continuing to delight large audiences with its brilliant comedy situations, deft directorial touches and catchy song numbers. Renate Muller, the talented German actress, has captivated Auckland audiences with her infectious gaiety and irresistible charm. Much , credit for the success of the production must go to Mr. Jack Hulbert, who proves himself to be one of the greatest comedians j on the talking screen. He takes the role , of a bank reception clerk, who takes Susie • under his care when she applies for a position at the bank. Owen Nares is also , in the cast. Much interest is being displayed in tho " Typical Typist " competition conducted by the management. There will be a special "Sunshine Susie" Birthday Party this afternoon for the amusement of the children. REGENT THEATRE All the droll humour of the book by Steele Rudd is transferred to the screen in the fine Australian production "On Our Selection," which is meeting with unqualified success at the Regent Theatre. The film deals with the lives of a typical, family of Australian pioneers in the ! " outback," with their triumphs and tragedies all etched in sharp relief against j the background of tho bluegums and "laughing jackasses." The central charac- ; ter is ably taken by Bert Bailey, in the role which he made famous on the stage. He portrays " Dad " Rudd, the gruff and uncouth, but always likeable figure, while ; in support are Alfreda Willie Driscoll and many others, all Australians, j and most, of whom duplicate their stage I roles in the film. The excellent supporting i programme includes a Mickey Mouse car- j toon and a new Cinesound News, MAJESTIC THEATRE The child actor Jackie Cooper, whose rise to screen fame lias been remarkable, gives another outstanding performance in " Divorce in the Family," which heads the present programme at the Majestic Theatre. The film deals with the domestic upheaval which occurs when his mother (Lois Wilson) marries a second husband. IVTaster Cooper being superb as the bewildered child who finds great difficulty in accustoming himself to. the changed order of things, his unsophisticated reasoning providing touches of humour throughout the film. Lewis Stone is cast as the former husband, with a continual devotion for hi 6 two sons, and Conrad Nagel is seen as the new doctor husband. There is a fine supporting programme. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO Robert Montgomery, one of the most likeable heroes in films, gives a typically engaging performance in "But the Flesh is Weak" at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres. C. Aubrey Smith, Edward Everett Horton, Nils" Asther and Nora Gregor are the main supporting artists. "Kisses By Command," in which Ivan Lebedeff appears, is a. second film at the Crystal Palace. ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Tom Mix, his horse Tony, and Mickey Rooney, a freckle-faced comedian, appear in "My Pal the King," which heads the programme at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. It recounts tho adventures of a rodeo troupe in a small European kingdom. "Love is a Racket," with Douglas Fairbanks, junr., Ann Dvorak and Frances Bee, is also shown. EPSOM REGENT THEATRE "Frail Women," a vital English drama, with Mary Newcomb and Owen Nares, and "Hollywood Speaks," in which Genevieve Tobin and Pat O'Brien appear, are the Epsom Regent Theatre films. LYRIC THEATRE Directed by Ernest Lubitsh, "Tho Broken Lullaby" is the Lyric Theatre attraction this evening. Lionel Barrymore, Phillips Holmes and Nancy Carroll are all well cast. REMUERA ORGAN RECITAL The new organ at St. Paul's Methodist Church, Remuera, donated by the church organist, Mrs. Percy Winstone, was used at an opening recital this week by Mr. Edgar Randal, organist of St. Mary's Cathedral. The church was crowded, extra accommodation being provided. The programme chosen by Mr. Randal was of a nature calculated to tax the instrument to its utmost, varying from delicate pianissimo works to florid and brilliant dramatic numbors with passages of powerful harmony, and in every instance the organ delighted and thrilled the large audience, fully justifying tho expectation that the intrument is one of the finest church organs in the Dominion. Mr. Randal and tho organ builder, Mr. G. Croft, received numerous congratulations. Miss Phyllis Hazel and Miss E. Coleman sang solos. "ABDUL, THE ROBBER" The pantomime " Abdul, the Robber,' will be presented by Madame Valeska 111 Scots Hall on November 19. The proceeds will be in aid of the Mount Eden branch of the Auckland Hospital Auxiliary. ORGAN RECITAL An organ recital will be. given by Mr. Arthur E. Wilson, honorary city organist, in the"Town Hall on Tlniisday. He will be assisted by Mr. Len Barnes, baritone.

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE ' H A riew play, a new leading lady ... « a new English company comprise tpl® attraction to bo presented at Majesty's Theatre for a brie! season* ill commencing on Saturday next, the W'B plans for which will be opened on' We v ' nesday next. The play is " Th e Barrel $3 of Wimpole Street," a romance in iuT-M acts, founded on the true story of ft- 8 Hf loves of Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning. The new star is Margaret IP Rawlings, who now definitely takes Jie ftf place in that coterie of eminent artist lIS known to New Zealand which include! v-:'i Margaret Anglin, Ethel " Irving, Kathe 111 rine Grey, Margaret Banrierman an ,i '«f Lady Forbes-Robertson. The principal W supporting artists, including Barrv ' f * Barnes, E. Bellenden Clarke, Gabriel W Toyne, and Mary Cobb, have each at. pj tained the highest honours 011 the Lo a * fe| don stage. Margaret Rawlings, in th« |-| role of Elizabeth Barrett, is a vivid pij. pi ture of the clash ot* temperaments and if of the power of love to find a way in t| !e f|§ middle of difficulties. In association with ! f Miss Rawlings are Mr. Barry K. Barnes fH a notable English juvenile actor who an! I pears as the poet Robert Browning; _\{ t | E. Bellenden Clarke, a character actor o{ IS distinction, who is said to give a remaikablj If performance of the domineering father II and Miss Mary Cobb as Bella Iledley, l|§ vivacious flirt who is as bold as shV« ill beautiful. Other important characters are If portrayed by Messrs. Kenneth Branip. 1 ton, Harvey Adams, John Wood $f Richard Fair, Leslie Jones, John Cald«r l§ and the Misses Kathleen Goodall, Xoel if Boyd, and Mary Macgrcgor. ' M HAMILTON PRESENTATION I " Tlie Barretts of Wimpolo Street" ;| will be staged for one performance only pi at the Theatre Royal, Hamilton, by j t if C. Williamson, Ltd., 011 Friday next. Sf SPECTACULAR PANTOMIME || Miss Cecil Hall will present her pupils :1§ in the entertaining pantomime, "The M Further Adventures of Alice in Wonder- fM. land " in Scots Hall this afternoon and fM this evening. A feature of the production J® is tho gorgeous costumes. There will b» §| svnehronised music.